Governments, Clans, Protocol and the Security Franchise jointly
agree on a Research Control Regime to limit scientific research
into fields where it may threaten human life. Despite widespread
opposition from many scientists and corporations, the RCR is
approved by a majority of states.

Secret Irish-UK negotiations end with an agreement handing
over Northern Ireland to the Irish Republic to be held as
an autonomous zone for twenty years. Unionists howl, but
British public opinion is in favour after twenty years of
on-again-off-again terrorism.

Development of underwater platforms allows deep-oceanic mining,
drilling and warfare - many companies and people begin building
underwater boom towns.

Neptunder becomes the capital of the new Pacifica Confederation,
which attracts the world's worst and best when it drops all
migration restrictions.

The privatisation of most public services encourages the Vatican
to set up a medical/health-care corporation called Holy Trinity.
Within ten years it becomes the second-biggest such group and
services most Latinos, Europeans and Asian Christians.